Rear-end signal for vehicles.



G. J. WOHLTMANN.

REAR BND SIGNAL FOR VEHICLES.

APPLIUATION PILBp FEB. 24, 1913.

Patented' Jan. 5, 1915.

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REAR BND SIGNAL FOR VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED YBB. 24, 1913.

Patented Jan. 5, 1915.

2 SHBETSwSHEET Z,

WITNESSES lll/VENTOH sym LMA .M H M" ATTORNEYS Vi" il GEORGE JOHN WOHLTMANN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

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REAR-END SIGflhTAL FOR`VE-HICLES.

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Specification of LettersvPate/iit.

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Application filed February 24, 1913. Serial No. 750,206.

' proved Rear-End Signal for Vehicles, of

which the following is a full, clear, and eX- act description.

Among the principal objects which the present invention has in view are: to provide a signal of the character designated, the operation of which is simple, efficient and concordant with the movement of the hand of the driver or traffic manager; to provide a simple and economical construction; and to provide a signal arranged to show, under all conditions, the rear-end or danger light.

One embodiment of the present invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rearend signal apparatus constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a front view of the same, the cover being removed to expose the illuminating chambers; Fig. 3 is a vertical section taken on the line 3--3 in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a horizontal section taken on the line 4-4 in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a detail view showing a fragment of the steering post of` an automobile, having attached thereto a switch-box constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 6 is a detail view in perspective of the switch box above mentioned, the wall of said box being partly cut away to disclose the interior and the telltale lamp mounted therein; Figs. 7 8 and 9 are views showing the three operative positions of the signal, indicating in the order named, the intention to eect a turn to the left, a turn to the right, and to stop; Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view showing the electric wiring and arrangement of signal lines therefor.

As seen in the drawings, a case or box is provided, having illuminating chambers 15, 16 and 17, grouped about and radiated from a central opening 18. The chambers recited are totally inclosed, and where desired, the backs thereof are coated with light-reflecting material of any suitable form. The chambers 15, 16 and 17 and the opening 18 are closed by a cover 19 which is provided with transparent or translucent colored seclwhich is placed a telltale lamp 43.

tions or a glow pattern, shaped to form hands 20, 21 and 22, and a connecting wrist portion 23, said wrist portion being universal to all of the hands. Any suitable material, such as colored isinglass, Celluloid, or glass, may be employed.'

In the preferred form of apparatus, the glow-pattern having the hands and wrist is formed of red or ruby glass, as the portion forming the wrist 23 is constantly illuminated to serve as the rear-end signal or riding light of the vehicle. The apparatus is mounted in any suitable manner and in any convenient position at the rear of the Vehicle.

Extending below and in line with the rear wall of the case is a panel 24, on which is placed the license number belonging to the vehicle. The face of the panel is illuminated by an electric lamp 25 which is mounted on a partition 26. The partition 26 forms the top of the chambers 15 and 16, and closes the end of the chamber 17. The bottoms of the chambers 15 and 16 are formed by a narrow partition 27, the inner edge whereof is removed from the back of the casing and from the face of the panel 24. Directly above the opening or space left between the partition 27 and the panel 24, the lamp 25 is placed, from whence it casts a light directly upon, toilluminate, the face of said panel 24. y

rllhe lamp 25 is constantly lighted when the switch 28 is closed to complete the circuit of said lamp through a battery 29 or other suitable source of electric current. 'llhe lamps 30, 31 and 32 are each illuminated when the push-buttons 33, 34 or 35 are depressed to complete the individual circuits through said lamps and the battery 29. The buttons 33, 34 and 35 are each mounted upon a switch-box 36. The switchbox 36 is held permanently to a steering post 37, as seen best in Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawings, by means of a strap or collar 38. rlhe collar 38 carries a butterfly nut 39 and a screw stud 40. |li`he box 36 is provided with a slotted tab 41, through the end of which is inserted the stud 40, the sides of said tab extending below the nut 39. When said nut is manipulated, it will be seen that it operates to lock the collar 38 and tab 41 in fixed relation. 'llhe box 36 is provided with an orifice 42, below The lamp 43, as shown in Fig. 10 of the draw ings, is common to all of the circuits inco'r porating the push buttons 33, 34 and 35. Therefore, when any of said buttons are depressed, and until released, the lamp 43 thrusts a light upward into view of the driver of the vehicle. Thus provision is made against the negligence of the driver in permitting a signal to remain at the rear of the vehicle after having acted in accordance with the' signal; or in other words, the continuance of illumination of the lamp 43 operates to advise the driver of the fact that a signal is set.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patenti* 1. A signal as characterized, comprising a containing case having a cover, said cover being provided with transparent sections laterallyextended and centrally united to indicate opposite lateral directions; a pluralityT of illuminating` members for said sections; a plurality` of partitions confining a central portion'to exclude the light thereof from the other portions; and means for selectively illuminating the said members.

2. A signal as characterized, comprising a central box-like structure having opaque sides; an electric lamp mounted in said boxlike structure continuously illuminated; a plurality of elongated box-like structures adjacent to the central box-like structure and radiating therefrom; a plurality of electric lamps mounted in said elongated box-like structures; means for selectively illuminating the lamps in said elongated structures; and a cover for all of said boxlike structures, said cover having transparent sections, the design of the section over the central box-like structure incorporating with the design of each of the other sections, when said other sections are illuminated, the section over said central structure also independently forming a dcsign distinct from the other designs.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

GEORGE J OHN VVOHLTMANN.

Witnesses:

EDWARD GLEAsoN, WILLIAM HERBERT. 

